Seattle Storm Select Spanish Sensation Awa Fam as No. 3 Overall Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft

The Seattle Storm have signaled a bold commitment to their future, selecting Spanish center Awa Fam with the third overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The move marks a historic moment for Spanish basketball, as Fam arrives in the United States as one of the most highly touted international prospects in recent memory.

Fam, a 6-foot-4 powerhouse who has spent the bulk of her early professional career with Valencia Basket, brings a blend of size, mobility, and international experience that the Storm believe will be foundational to their roster. For the Seattle front office, the pick is less about immediate filling of a gap and more about securing a generational talent with a high ceiling.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Awa to Seattle,” said Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea. “We’ve been watching Awa emerge as one of the most dynamic young talents in the world. She’s already gained valuable experience competing professionally internationally and has tremendous upside. Awa will be an important part of our future and what we’re building in Seattle.”

From Alicante to the WNBA: The Rise of Awa Fam

Born on June 17, 2006, in Santa Pola, Alicante, Spain, Awa Fam Thiam’s journey to the WNBA is a testament to early specialization and an accelerated growth curve. Born to Senegalese parents, Madoumbe Fam and Arame Thiam—who emigrated from their hometown of Guédiawaye—Fam has navigated the European basketball circuit with a maturity that belies her age.

Her professional ascent began in December 2021 when she made her debut for Valencia Basket. At just 15 years, 5 months, and 15 days ancient, she became the youngest player in the history of the club. That debut was more than a symbolic appearance; by her third career game, Fam recorded 11 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, marking her first career double-double and finishing with a player efficiency rating of 23.

To further her development, Fam was loaned to Gernika KESB for the 2024–2025 season, a move designed to give her more consistent minutes and responsibility on the court. The strategy paid off, leading Valencia Basket to secure her long-term future with a contract extension signed on May 28, 2025, which runs through 2029.

For those unfamiliar with the European system, it is relatively common for elite teenage prospects to sign professional contracts and play against adults in leagues like the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto long before they enter the WNBA draft. This allows players like Fam to enter the American league with years of professional experience, rather than coming straight from a collegiate system.

Analyzing the Numbers: The 2025-26 Campaign

The Seattle Storm’s decision to take Fam at No. 3 is backed by a consistent statistical profile across the highest levels of European competition. During the 2025-26 season, Fam appeared in 39 games across the EuroLeague and Liga Femenina Endesa tournaments.

Her season averages provide a glimpse into her role as a versatile interior presence:

• Points per game: 8.1
• Rebounds per game: 4.8
• Blocks per game: 0.6

While the averages show steady production, her ceiling was most evident during a standout performance on October 16, 2025, against Fenerbahçe Opet. In that contest, Fam dominated the paint, putting up 17 points, seven rebounds, and three steals while shooting an efficient 63.6% from the field. It was this ability to perform against top-tier EuroLeague opposition that likely solidified her status as a top-three pick.

International Pedigree and National Team Success

Beyond her club success, Fam has been a staple of the Spanish national team program, representing her country at both the youth and senior levels. Her transition from a youth prospect to a senior international has been seamless, reflecting her readiness for the physical demands of the WNBA.

Across four years with the Spanish youth national team, Fam competed in six tournaments. Her most dominant stretch came during the 2022 FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship, where she averaged 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. She continued this trajectory at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 10.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

Fam’s ability to translate this success to the senior level is perhaps the strongest indicator of her WNBA potential. Over two years with the Spanish Senior National Team, she appeared in three tournaments, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds. Competing against seasoned professionals on the world stage has equipped her with the tactical awareness necessary to survive the steep learning curve of the WNBA.

Tactical Fit: What Fam Brings to the Seattle Storm

At 6-foot-4, Fam provides the Storm with a modern center who can do more than just protect the rim. Her history of recording assists and steals—highlighted by her performance against Fenerbahçe—suggests a player with high basketball IQ and the ability to operate in a fast-paced offense.

The Storm’s focus on “upside” suggests they view Fam as a player who can evolve into a focal point of their defense and a reliable scoring option in the post. Her experience in the EuroLeague, where tactical discipline and spacing are paramount, should allow her to integrate quickly into Seattle’s system.

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Draft Pick

• Draft Position: 1st Round, 3rd Overall Pick.
• Experience: Former youngest player in Valencia Basket history; professional experience since age 15.
• Versatility: Proven double-double threat at the youth level and efficient scorer in EuroLeague play.
• Pedigree: Dual experience with Spanish youth and senior national teams.

The selection of Awa Fam is a clear signal that the WNBA is continuing to expand its global footprint, drawing elite talent from the Spanish league to bolster American rosters. For the Seattle Storm, the gamble on the 19-year-old center is a bet on a player who has already proven she can compete with the best in Europe.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Fam will be her official onboarding with the Seattle Storm as the team prepares for the upcoming WNBA season. Fans can follow official updates regarding her training camp status and jersey assignment via the official Seattle Storm website.

Do you think Awa Fam will make an immediate impact on the Storm’s starting lineup, or should she be eased in? Let us know in the comments.